Shloka 17
Nakula’s Counsel on Yajña, Dāna, and Tyāga (नकुलोपदेशः—यज्ञदानत्यागविचारः)
शमो दमस्तथा धैर्य सत्यं शौचमथार्जवम् । यज्ञो धृतिश्च धर्मश्न नित्यमार्षो विधि: स्मृत:,शम, दम, धैर्य, सत्य, शौच, सरलता, यज्ञ, धृति तथा धर्म--इन सबका ऋषियोंके लिये निरन्तर पालन करनेका विधान है
śamo damas tathā dhairyaṁ satyaṁ śaucam athārjavam | yajño dhṛtiś ca dharmajña nityam ārṣo vidhiḥ smṛtaḥ ||
Nakula said: “Tranquillity of mind, self-restraint, steadfast courage, truthfulness, purity, and straightforwardness; along with sacrifice, perseverance, and discernment of dharma—these are remembered as the perennial, rishi-ordained rule of conduct to be continually practiced.”
नकुल उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse lists foundational virtues—mental calm, sense-control, courage, truth, purity, and straightforwardness—together with sacrificial duty and steadfast resolve, presenting them as an enduring rishi-sanctioned code for those who seek to live by dharma.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction-focused setting, Nakula speaks as a moral voice, summarizing the qualities and disciplines that tradition (ārṣa) regards as the constant rule of right conduct.